Fly to Amsterdam for a short stay

Amsterdam is a great city to visit any time of the year.  They welcome visitors from all over the world.  Some hust arrive for a short stay some extend their stay to a holiday others are just visiting families.  Amsterdam has an array of accommodation to be used whatever your purpose here. Your choice is excellent hotels and hostels  luxury serviced apartment and very well located self-catering accommodation. The word famous Schiphol Airport  is the best way to get in and out of this great city.  The is located a few miles southwest of the city in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer in the province of North Holland.

Schiphol Airport

Amsterdam airport has become a European Hub allowing travelers to access flights to a large number of airports all over the world. Its the home base of KLM, Arkefly, Transavia, Amsterdam Airlines.

 Amsterdam Airport started operating back in 1916 and it was initially used as a local airbase for the military. The airport only had a few barracks and a field that used to serve both as the platform and a runway. The civil airports started using the facility in December 1920.  Today the airport has been built as one large terminal where all its facilities are located under one roof.
There are a number of very interesting aspects to Schiphol. One in particular is the runways crossing over canals and roadways including motorway via bridges.

Runway 

This terminal has been split into three large departure halls. There are plans in place to expand the terminal further and to build other separate new terminals between the Zwanenburg Baan and Polderbaan runways thus bringing to an end the one-terminal concept that the airport has long been known for.

Schiphol

I have in the pass transited through Schiphol and I have to admit I was impressed by the one Terminal design and how efficient is was to get in and out of aircraft.  There is no long walks that you have to negotiate in London Stansted or new terminal in Dublin.

Flights daily arrive from all over Europe

Here is a small example of fights arrived or due to arrive on the evening of the 14th December 2015

Airline                                                    Location Origin            

Flybe                                                     Birmingham
Alitalia                                                   Stockholm
KLM
KM                                                        Rome
Alitalia
Air Europa                                              Dusseldorf
KLM                                                      Brussels
KLM                                                      Inverness
Flybe
KLM                                                      Barcelona
AIR EUROPA                                        Madrid
Flybe                                                     Liverpool
Flybe                                                     Hanover
KLM                                                      Newcastle
Air Europa                                             Berlin
KLM                                                      Edinburgh
Air France                                              Paris.
Check out websites like www.goholidaylets.com where you can list your self-catering property for free.  Just click on Advertise here.

Krakow Christmas Events

The Polish city of Krakow welcomes thousands of visitors each year.  They have wonderful restaurants and accommodation but most of all they have a great welcome.  You can stay in an excellents hotel or chill out in the privacy your own home from home in a well located self-catering serviced apartment.

Christmas in Krakow

They celebrate Christmas in style.  This time of year there is a theater festival in Krakow.  The the press have in the past welcomed it as  a celebration of Polish theater and a great event that  during the week create a great scene in Krakow.  Its  a week on the stages of the biggest Krakow's theaters, you can see the best Polish performances of over the past years  were performed in theaters across the country.  A number of well known director will be present Monika Strzępka,  an America dir. Mario Biagini, . Krzysztof Warlikowski,  Factory 2 dir. Krystian Lupa and  dir. Jan Klata. Every year in Kraków they  also host workshop where among others, Krzysztof Warlikowski, Jan Klata, Grzegorz Jarzyna and Lupa, who daily tell the audience about their work during open workshops. At the festival there are also artists from abroad,  India, South Africa, Iran and Colombia, presenting the achievements of the theater carried out outside the European cultural circle.
An international jury composed of prominent critics and directors of world theater festivals each year also grants the Divine Comedian statuette for best performance and the director, set designer, composer, actor and actress. The festival has gained media recognition not only of Polish, but also from Europe. Among others, reported on it a prestigious German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and the Russian Kommersant and Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Organizer: Krakow Festival Office.  There is excellent restaurants and accommodation to be got in Krakow.  They hotel accommodation and magnificence self- catering serviced apartment.

Krakow Christmas Fair for several years are entered in the calendar of events taking place on the Krakow Main Market Square.
It's a tradition, which has a large impact on the development of cultural and economic center. Krakow fairs is  part of a number of similar events  that are held throughout  Europe.
Stuttgart Christmas Fair is more than 300 years great tradition and created a grand scale.  Other shows "Festivity" in Milan is a great event for the whole country.  Other Christmas fairs include  Berlin, Rome and Vienna.     The organizer of the fair is Krakow Merchant Congregation.

Krakow Cribs Competition
Every year, on the first Thursday of December in the morning, around the monument of Adam Mickiewicz crib makers gather to show off their latest works. They are accompanied by crowds gathered Kracovians, locals, tourists and numerous television crews. Applications for the competition are got from the  Museum . Each crib is given a  competition number . For many years, the number entered in the contest works is similar - between 120 and 160, including a large majority of cribs made ​​by children and young people. With the sounds of bugle call ringing out at noon from the tower of St Mary's Church, crib makers colorful procession moving their work to offices Museum - Krzysztofory Palace, to meet with the adjudicators . The meeting is chaired by the Director of the Museum, and the adjudicators consists of art historians, artists, employees of the Historical Museum. The competition is open  to natives of Cracow, participation in it can take regardless of age or place of residence.Each participant may submit a maximum of three cribs into competition. Before the adjudicators  will focus on the assessment of individual work needs to determine whether all comply with the conditions of the competition. If the work does not meet the accepted criteria, unfortunately; even if it was the most beautiful, you can not claim the prize. Organizer: The Historical Museum of Krakow Place: Market Square at the monument of Adam Mickiewicz.  The website www.goholidaylets.com list self-catering accommodation in Krakow for free.

Christmas Events in Lagos Portugal

As with quite a lot of Portuguese towns and villages place like Albufeira and Lagos the local council known as Camara organise the festive events at different times of the year. This town is a tourist resort full of hotels and self-catering accommodation but its also home to a huge local population.  So local activities are part and parcel of every day life here.

Christmas in Portugal

In that context of programming of Christmas  will start at the beginning of the month of December in Lagos. The have named this years program "THE BOY JESUS".  The organising of the event will be executed by  Municipal Librarian Dr Julius Dantas  The activities incorporates a cycle of cinema and a exhibitions on December 10, on an occasion that marks the International Day of Human Rights.

The now famous Christmas Nativity Scene ( Cribe) will be back on display  to open to the public 2015-11-27
Once more José Cortes  the owner and creator of the crib will give all the public opportunity to see the crib as it will be displayed free of charge. This crib has become very famous in Lagos completely designed and built by this Lagos local,  each year he adds new detail.  You can visit from 17 December. The entrance is free.

Lagos prepares to receive the Christmas  on the 2015-11-26 for the festive season of the year. The Mayor of Lagos has prepared, in collaboration with the various cultural collectivities of the county, a collection with various municipal departments in Lagos as a whole, a festive programming special.  Its begins on the 5th of December 2015.

EXPENSIVE SOUL in  Lagos on New Years Eve.

The municipality of Lagos will celebrate  the arrival of the New Year to the sound of one of the best music groups in the country - the Expensive Soul. The gig,  will run in the Infante Square, is free entry and will be followed by an actuating the DJ TobyONE.  Free to the public.
Lagos is an excellent location to send Christmas and New Year. Top class restaurant all open over the holiday period.  Excellent hotels and holiday rentals .  They self-catering apartments and self-catering villas to suit large groups.

Step into 2 wonderful beach side restaurants in Praia da Luz and Lagos

Fortilaza do Luz

Fortilaza do Luz

Fortilaza do Luz is a splendid restaurant situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the wonderful beach of Praia da Luz. They say they source the best ingredients and prepare everything from scratch.  They source the fish from local market daily.  Which means it was caught locally. They say all vegetables are organic and also sourced locally. Personally nowadays I want to see from where its sourced.  All in all well worth a visit. As is Praia da Luz with its wonderful self-catering apartments and self-catering villas.  Praia da Luz has excellent holiday rentals.  Sunday lunch can be a very special occasion at Fortilaza do Luz.  For 20yrs they have held their famous Jazz Lunches every Sunday from 12pm to 3 pm, which take place from March to November.  Also every Thursday evening they do a dinner dance with various bands providing the music. It is in the centre of the holiday rentals location.  Enjoy!!!

Gaivota Branca ( White Seagull) at Meia Praia, Lagos

Gaivota Branca ( White Seagull) at Meia Praia, Lagos

Another great beach side restaurant is Gaivota Branca ( White Seagull) at Meia Praia, Lagos.  Had notices this place have been refurbished over the last few years. Lately just wondered into it by accident for morning coffee.  Wasn't that busy but on entering we met a  very friendly and welcoming waiter who treated us as if we were his best clients.  Perception is everything and straight away the impression of the hostelry was positive.  Even knowing we weren't eating suggesting  we look at the menu as we might come back again.  I personally like that attitude.  The menu was excellent by the way. It is well located on Meia Praia beautiful decorated the high glass doors off the decking area gives it a touch of luxury.  They are in business since 1968 and the business has been handed down from father to son.  A place well worth a visit not just if your staying in a nearly hotel of self-catering apartment or self-catering villa Lagos, but also in if your in holiday accommodation in Lagos.

Comparing Bus and Train fares in and out of Birmingham

Because I have a commercial interest in Birmingham in England West Midland I at times research certain aspects that might connect to those interests.

Grand Central Birmingham

They are mainly property related.  Have units rented by a serviced apartment company but on our website www.goholidaylets.com we also promote serviced apartments in Birmingham.

With this point of interest I casual researched rail fares and their alternatives in and out of Birmingham.  To my somewhat amusement and curiosity I came across various degrees of difference which I will explain as best I can.  Before doing so I am somewhat suspicious of comparison websites and their credentials to compare.

Ok I searched rail fares London to Birmingham, up popped Goeuro.  Honestly hadnt seen site before but could see straight away fares were in dollars $.  Which is fine but only one Rail Company appeared Virgin.

That s fine as well the cheapest fare on the 30th November to Birmingham was $15.08.

I know London Midlands  and Chiltern also have routes from London to Birmingham albeit from different stations within each city.

But lets stay with Goeuro its not a bad website they also give  the options of bus, car or plane.

National Express to Birmingham same date slightly earlier time price $9.05 which is good.

Carhire was with rentalcar.com and their best deal was $26.76 and they offered a Hyundai i10.  Honestly didnt read about extras and addons.  I am sure they ll be there somewhere.

Next piece of information surprised me.  There was no flights to Birmingham to London they were all to Manchester with either BA or Flybe.

Next site was the Redspottedhanky.  To be fair I think that is a great name for a site, not a keyword in sight.

To my relief yes London Midland were there as was Chiltern Railways.  The later arriving to Moore Street Birmingham a station that has been preserved in the past. I priced a comparison fare London---Birmingham after 9am on 30th £15 so Goeuro win out there.

Ok London Midlands website  London  9.49  Birmingham 12.02  £6.   A little shorter stops in more places I would think.

Hope if your reading this it has put you thinking.

Remember click on www.goholidaylets.com and book a excellent self-catering and serviced apartment in Birmingham and get there on a cheap train.

Side by Side in Birmingam's Southside

Arcadian

Birmingham is a place I know very well.   First started going there on business nearly 10 years ago. My awareness was mostly of the City Centre.   I had been involved in a number of  Buy to Let property developments in the Birmingham City Centre.  Some of these are now self-catering and serviced-apartment businesses.

The area I first got to know was Southside which is now very well established.  Back then it was a huge apartment block on the edge of the  Chinatown/Arcadian. 

It also consisted of the Theatre District, over the years the place has been rebranded as SOUTHSIDE.

It was fascinating to arrive here and watch a multicultural ethnic group go about their daily business.  On top of that a sizeable Gay Community was also existed here.   Which was was interesting, I have always been a live and let live sort of person so the sight of same sex couples holding hands in no way distracted me from my task on hand on any particular day.  Even at 50 + and a life time in Irish Police in Middleton it gave me a self awareness that people are different but everyday we still have to get on with everyday life side by side. Its just happens to be Birmingham at our moment in time.

Southside

But was a vibrant and still is a vibrant community the sense of multi-national cultural is every where.  Weather its the 1,900 seater  Hippodrome Theatre Victorian theatre with modern foyer. Where hosting musicals, ballet, opera and West End shows. Or the Old Rep  Theatre, nearby Staycity serviced apartments, IBIS Hotel, The Glee Club which hosts first class comedy acts from around the world,

The Arcadian car park managed by APCOA is accessed from Bromsgrove Street via Bristol Street or Hurst Street and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides safe and secure parking with over 500 car parking spaces spread over three floors. 

Chinatown Birmingham

The Arcadian car park is the closest car park for the Hippodrome as well as being convenient for access to the Bullring and the Chinese Quarter.  The car park has achieved 'The Park Mark Award' for safer parking presented by the Home Office and cost effective contracts are available for regular users and tailored packages for short or long term parking can be accommodated.

Visit Southside for the most diverse range of entertainment options, for all the family. Eat in one of our fabulous restaurants, drink in any of bars, dance the night away in one of our clubs, be entertained in one of our theatres or visitor attractions. Stay-in-a-nearby-serviced-apartment or hotel.

Catch It Clean It Cook It on in a Holiday Home Lagos Portugal Style

Recent read the Portuguese diet of excessive fish eating been criticized. Have to be honest was some what surprised to see criticism of the type.  But on further reading I could gasp the essence of the report.  It was the Portuguese love of tuna "atum" and other scarce fish species that was been looked at closely.  Yes indeed the Portuguese love their atum but the equally love their frango and porco.

They are a fish crazy nation, to be fair quite alot of their fish is farmed nowadays.  As well their is no waste your Sea Bass is served with head on eyes in and everything on the plate apart from the bones are eaten.
At weekends some very ingenious BBQs are produced on the side of streets and roof tops and the charred smell of sardines cooking hangs in the air as a reminder of healthy eating and goodness.

The Portuguese fishing in many ways Lagos has a full harbour of small fishing boats.  If your staying in a local self-catering holiday accommodation in Patio Do Convento or The Marina Apartments. Take a stroll any time on year at night down the Avenida and you ll see the fishermen with their poles hanging out over the canal wall.   Indeed the benefit of self-catering you can buy fish in the market and cook yourself.  Fish is so much in demand Lidl have a fresh fish counter in their stores in Portugal.

Harbour Fishing

There are many long breakwaters protecting the harbours and marinas these offer good fishing for many species in all sea conditions.

Boats, there are a number of charter boats available, some are excellently run, catering for experienced big game anglers, others are frankly only suitable for people looking for a trip out to sea for a few beers and possibly a few fish. At certain times of the year when the water temperature is high we get a run of Marlin, both Blue and White, there are yearly competitions run from Vilamoura marina and Tavira.

Cliff Fishing

On the weekend you can find people perched on the top of 200ft. Cliffs even on ropes half way down the cliff. They catch a variety of fish including many types of Bream, Bass, Mackerel, Garfish, Mullet etc. Best baits are Sardine, prawns and worms. A piece of fresh Mackerel with the blood oozing out is good for many species. Main problem in this fishing is lifting large fish up the cliff and a variety of lift net is usually employed
Beach fishing, there are miles of beaches that can offer some nice fishing, especially for bass. Bass to near 20lb are reported but more normal is 3 or 4lb.

Game Fishing

We have some of the greatest game fishing in the World off the Algarve coast and offer you the opportunity to experience this with our charter boat skipper who has been very successful in tracking down the various species available off this fabulous coast. Marlin, blue and white, tuna, a wide variety of sharks and much more. See the gallery below for more detail.
When you book a self- catering holiday in Lagos, or a holiday villa in Vilamoura if interested in fish make sure and get local details from the agent or owner.